misty & dramatic


it started with the weather


Big Sur is quite the unpredictable landscape at times, capable of going from heavy rain to sunny skies in a matter of moments--and what is sunny in the redwoods can change to heavy fog on her coast.

When I woke on the morning of T & A's session, the forecast was rain-free, remaining that way even as I packed up my car to head to Big Sur. As I passed Point Lobos, a light mist suddenly graced my windshield (and open windows because I <3 fresh air), soon developing into raindrops that were certainly not in the forecast from the morning. When we finally met up in Big Sur, T & A had already taken on the attitude of, "Well, let's make it work."

As photographers, this is an attitude we learn to adopt early. Though we plan, research, strategize, occasionally things just do not go the way we think they will--and sometimes that results in the best damn time ever.

So, embracing the moody drizzle Big Sur offered us, we adventured along the rugged cliffside & roaring beach, laughing all the while at our luck and getting thoroughly soaked. If you didn't notice, the umbrella got ditched early.

 

Foggy coastal landscape with figures silhouetted against misty cliffs holding umbrellas.
Couple embracing on rugged coastal cliffs with native vegetation in the foreground.
Intimate moment captured on rocky coastal path with fog rolling in over the cliffs.
Moody coastal scene with rocky cliffs and dramatic ocean views under overcast skies.
Couple in white dress and plaid shirt posing against dramatic rocky hillside.
Rugged coastal landscape with rocky outcrops and fog rolling in from the ocean.
A couple poses together against a foggy mountain landscape with rugged terrain.
A romantic photoshoot on a misty mountainside with dramatic rocky cliffs and coastal vegetation.
Couple embracing on foggy coastal cliffs overlooking ocean.
Two people walk along a misty beach shoreline with waves in the background.
A couple shares a romantic moment on a sandy beach during an overcast day.
A black and white photo captures a playful moment on the beach with waves in the background.
Close-up details of plaid fabric and white dress material in an artistic composition.
Two people run playfully along the beach shore during an overcast day.
A couple dances and spins on the beach creating movement in their formal attire.
Two figures walk along dramatic coastal cliffs in moody weather.
A dramatic black and white photo of a couple dancing on a misty beach.
Couple sitting in back of pickup truck on foggy beach sharing intimate moment in moody atmosphere.
Playful couple laughing while sitting in pickup truck bed on coastal road.
Couple lounging together in truck bed against misty coastal backdrop.
Romantic couple sharing drinks while relaxing in pickup truck bed.
Couple in casual attire sharing tender moment in back of truck.
Couple resting together in truck bed with misty mountains in background.

During our planning meeting, T & A expressed wanting to incorporate their dogs somehow into the session--important members of their family. So, we game-planned it; the dogs were brought out together, joining us on the back of A's truck as part of the 'closing chapter' of their gallery story. They are the cutest models.

Couple in white dress and plaid sharing moment on misty beach.

before the wedding day


I was hired by T & A to capture their upcoming wedding in December, and for all of my wedding packages, I offer complimentary engagement sessions. Not only are these sessions vital in building my connection with my clients, but are an opportunity to understand them--what works when it comes to direction, posing, PDA? What doesn't work?


Viewing these sessions through that lens (lol) helps me best show up for my couples on wedding days, as well as teaches me how to prompt them & anticipate the best candids.

A romantic couple embraces in soft lighting during an intimate photoshoot.